MY RESIDENCY AT GILI LANKANFUSHI IN THE MALDIVES

I've spent the past week in one of the dreamiest locations I could imagine, at the Gili Lankanfushi resort in the Maldives. I was there on duty: hosting sound baths, an Ayurvedic talk and a cooking masterclass. Let's just say it wasn't too bad as far as offices go!

At Gili, I swam in the impossibly clear blue seas, cycled around the island, and even did some paddle-boarding, enjoying the sun before 10.30am and after 5pm, to make sure I wasn't getting too much exposure to harsh UV rays.

One of the highlights of the trip was the local cuisine, whether it was for daily meals or for special events. I spent an evening sampling the best Maldivian produce, and learning all about the history of dishes and drinks across the globe, and another evening trying out a Japanese tasting menu. So not only was it an idyllic visit, but it was educational as well.

I also got to interact with some lovely and inspirational people, like Victoria, pictured below. Meeting new people that you wouldn't necessarily come across in your everyday life is one of the many wonderful things about travelling.

I'm always so happy to share my experience of Ayurveda with people around the world, so hosting my Ayurvedic cooking masterclass at Gili was a real treat. Guests got to sample several dishes from my book East by West, including some dhoklas with green chutney (if you have the book, you can find them on page 229), which were a resounding success.

After the week I've had, I'll be coming back to London refreshed and (almost) ready for the new season — I'll be following it up with another Cleanse + Reset over the long weekend, to really put some spring in my step. If you want to do this gentle Ayurvedic detox with me, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and check your inbox this week!